New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. / Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports

by Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

by Tom Pelissero, USA TODAY Sports

It appears Rob Gronkowski's return will have to wait at least another week after all.

The New England Patriots' star tight end had not been cleared as of late Friday night, leaving it unlikely he'll play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Patriots hadn't definitively announced the status of Gronkowski, who was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report.

Early in the week, the chances appeared strong Gronkowski, 24, would play this week. But Dr. James Andrews, the renowned orthopedist tasked with the making the final determination on Gronkowski's availability, didn't clear him Friday.

Gronkowski underwent surgery June 18 to correct a spinal issue that nagged him last season. He also has had four surgeries on his left forearm, which at one point became infected.

The Patriots activated him from the physically unable to perform list last month, but Gronkowski has been limited in practice and missed the Patriots' first five games, including Sunday's 13-6 loss at Cincinnati.

It remains to be seen how quickly Gronkowski can return to all-pro form considering he has been inactive since the Patriots were eliminated from the playoffs in late January.

Gronkowski has 187 catches for 2,663 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons. Coupled with injuries that have limited slot receiver Danny Amendola to two games, the Patriots' offense has scuffled. They rank 21st in the NFL in passing.